Radio-Canada reports that the federal government is not ruling out the possibility that a Quebec woman and her Italian friend may have been abducted in west Africa. Sherbrooke native Edith Blais and her Italian friend Luca Tacchetto were travelling in Burkina Faso when all communication with their families “abruptly stopped” on Dec. 15, according to Blais’ sister. Global Affairs Canada says consular officials are reaching out to local authorities in Burkina Faso, but it won’t publish any information that could jeopardize ongoing efforts or endanger citizens’ safety. A report published by the CBC’s French-language service on Sunday says the department has not received confirmation of an abduction, but it no longer excludes that as a possibility. Meantime, Blais’ family has started a Facebook page related to the disappearance, and they say they are grateful for the help they’ve received so far.

Source: National Post January 07, 2019 01:07 UTC